Recently, one paid fake AV app notched up over 10,000 downloads

There has been an alarming surge in malware targeting Android in recent years. According to one estimate, the platform accounts for 97 percent of total mobile malware. Under the circumstances, it makes sense to use an antivirus app — especially if you happen to use a lot of apps downloaded from sources other than the Play Store. While we’d love to tell you which AV apps to use, it is not something we’re going to indulge in at this point. Instead, let us tell you about the type of AV apps you should definitely avoid.

No other Android app has been downloaded more times than Gmail

High fives are in order for Google's Gmail team, as Gmail is the first Android application to notch 1 billion downloads in its belt. The feat, which actually occured a few days ago, was announced today by Google VP Sundar Pichai, who posted the achievement on his Google+ page. It was a succinct (albeit excited) recognition, though crossing 1 billion downloads doesn't mean there are a billion people using Gmail.

Basically a netbook with Android running the show

You may have thought that netbooks had vanished from the modern era, but that's only partially true. Nobody really cares about Windows-based netbooks anymore, but would they buy one built around Android? Archos is determined to find out with its ArcBook, a 10.1-inch laptop running Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. We've seen low cost Android laptops before, but according to Archos, the ArcBook is the world's first Android netbook with a touchscreen display.

A new all-in-one line with an old version of Android

AOC is getting the work week started by rolling out a pair of mySmart All-in-One systems running Android 4.2 Ice Cream Sandwich. There are two versions: the 22-inch A2272PW4T and the 24-inch A2472PW4T. Other than the size and physical screen real estate, they're configured exactly the same, right down to the Full HD 1080p (1920x1080) resolution and odd decision to run a version of Android that's two generations old.

Separate Docs and Sheets apps are now required for creating and editing documents

A new version of the Google Drive app hit the Play Store and App Store on Friday. In a move Google had telegraphed a couple of days earlier with the release of standalone Docs and Sheets apps for both platforms, the latest Drive app no longer lets you edit documents.

Android tablet reportedly packs an Intel Atom Z2560 chip

Acer is reportedly getting ready to make another addition to its Iconia B1 series of dirt cheap Android tablets. A German tech site recently published images and specs purported to be that of an upcoming 7-inch tablet called the Acer Iconia B1-730 HD.

New security measures keeps your installed Android apps in check

It's not unusual for a malicious Android app to sneak into Google Play, though they're obviously much more prevalent from third-party sources, especially from sketchy areas of the web. To help protect users from falling prey to an app's malicious intentions, Google is rolling out a new enhancement to its security scheme that will examine an app's behavior after it's been installed.

HTC M8 One and Galaxy S5 already comply with new guidelines

Android’s customizability is one major reason why the open source mobile OS has managed to endear itself to vendors and users galore. But don’t be misled into believing that Google has granted vendors a carte blanche. There are certain rules smartphone makers need to play by if they want their users to be able to access certain Google-developed stock apps considered integral to the whole Android experience.

OTA update adds new and enhanced features to Nvidia's Shield handheld

Owners of Nvidia's Shield console are in for a treat. On April 2, Nvidia will begin rolling out an over-the-air (OTA) update that upgrades the device's Android platform to Android 4.4.2 KitKat, though that's not the only feature upgrade. It also adds a bunch of GameStream enhancements, including some beta goodies such as notebook support, Wake on LAN, and remote login support, which will allow users to log into a locked PC remotely from Shield.

HTC refreshes its popular One device

Following a raft of online leaks, rumors, and frequent speculation, HTC today officially unveiled its HTC One (M8) smartphone, a powerful followup to its well received HTC One (M7). This is HTC's newest flagship handset and while it retains a metal unibody design, HTC included subtle touches that separate the M8 from the M7, such as a design that tapers to thinner edges and softer corners intended to give users a smooth, more natural grip.